Student of the Week Michelle Petersen a natural leader'

Michelle Petersen may be a frequent flyer even before she graduates from Utica Community Schools Academy for International Studies.

Being president of the Key Club – her school’s largest student organization – led her to become one of the group’s International Trustees, one of just a handful around the world. That role involves travel, which so far has taken her to several states. Petersen, The Macomb Daily Student of the Week, is especially looking forward to an upcoming trip to California. She also is a former lieutenant governor of state Key Clubs.

Under her leadership, UAIS was awarded the Key Club International’s Diamond Level Distinguished Club Award.

Even with her time-consuming roles, Petersen has managed to keep a 4.18 GPA, be captain of the tennis team at Stevenson High School, and be named a National Merit semifinalist.

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“I’m willing to spend a lot of time and willing to give up a chunk of my life” for these projects, said Petersen, the daughter of John and Rebecca Petersen of Sterling Heights.

Then there are her UAIS classes – eight total – that include English, history, physics, chemistry, psychology. Her favorite subject is art. Nightly homework projects average two to three hours.

She is applying to such schools as Brown, Dartmouth, the University of Denver, Yale and Brandeis University, and has already been accepted at the University of Michigan. Petersen plans to combine studies in international relations and medicine with her goal of joining the Peace Corps and eventually becoming a neonatal nurse working “in the world of non-profits.”

Petersen’s commitment to others is even mirrored in her outside interests as she lists “service organizations” among them. She also likes to read, play tennis, shop and watch movies with her friends.

“Since her freshman year, Michelle has been a natural leader, a gifted scholar, and a beloved member of the UAIS community,” said Thomas V. Lietz, UAIS program director. “She is committed to service, she is consummately internationally minded, and she is the total student, seeing the value and interconnection in all subjects.

“She is the model for the best of what public education provides, the opportunity to strive to make the world better,” said Lietz, who nominated Petersen for Student of the Week honors.

“In 18 years, Michelle has accomplished more than most do in a lifetime, and she’s just beginning.”

The Macomb Daily Students of the Week are selected in advance by the schools with the approval of the Macomb County Secondary Principals Association. Each student qualifies to compete for a scholarship from one of the following universities: Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Grand Valley State, Michigan State, Michigan Technological, Oakland and Western Michigan.